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O's hope to finalize deal with Jurrjens soon

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SARASOTA, Fla. -- The status of the Orioles' agreement with pitcher Jair Jurrjens remains in limbo, with executive vice president of baseball operations Dan Duquette saying Tuesday that he hoped to have a resolution within the next few days.

"We are still working on that issue," Duquette said of Jurrjens, who underwent a lengthy physical given his injury history in regards to his right knee. "We don't have that resolved yet, but hopefully we will have that resolved within the next couple days."

The Orioles originally agreed to terms with Jurrjens on a one-year, $1.5 million deal -- that could escalate to $4 million with incentives -- on Jan. 25, but there has been no official announcement, and Duquette didn't elaborate on whether it's possible those terms could change.

"This is an issue that just takes a little more time in the process," Duquette said, "but hopefully we will get it resolved."

An All-Star in 2011, Jurrjens went 3-4 with a 6.89 ERA last year and was non-tendered by the Braves this winter, effectively becoming a free agent. Should he join the Orioles in camp, Jurrjens would compete in an already-crowded rotation picture that includes Jason Hammel, Wei-Yin Chen, Miguel Gonzalez, Chris Tillman, Steve Johnson, Brian Matusz, Jake Arrieta, Zach Britton, Tommy Hunter and Rule 5 Draft pick T.J. McFarland. Top pitching prospects Dylan Bundy and Kevin Gausman will get a good look, but they aren't expected to be part of the Opening Day rotation.

"That was one of my main goals, was to try to get a team to give me a chance again," Jurrjens said last month. "I know a lot of people are scared with the past history of my knee, but I'm ready to prove some people wrong and show that I'm ready to go again."